HOME PROFILE: An estate to remember

Friday

Oct 13, 2017 at 6:36 AM

Based on the "grounds" alone — a lushly landscaped one-plus acre lot that includes a tiered yard with shady and sunny spaces, a beautiful lagoon pool with a waterfall surrounded by an extra-wide custom stone deck and a lighted tennis court — this property is a contender for estate status. Add an extensively and newly renovated Contemporary Colonial (as in this year) and its estate worthiness becomes a given.

By Barbara ForsterGateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 21 Prince St., Beverly

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 5 full; 1 half

LIVING SPACE: 5,701 sq. ft.

PRICE: $1,950,000

Based on the "grounds" alone — a lushly landscaped one-plus acre lot that includes a tiered yard with shady and sunny spaces, a beautiful lagoon pool with a waterfall surrounded by an extra-wide custom stone deck and a lighted tennis court — this property is a contender for estate status. Add an extensively and newly renovated Contemporary Colonial (as in this year) and its estate worthiness becomes a given.

The reasons are many

Beyond the broad stone steps, a large covered stoop and through double doors with leaded glass inserts, is the main entry way — a two-and-a-half story open foyer where stunning dark-stained, wide plank bamboo flooring begins and continues throughout the entire house. A striking cohesive element, this also reflects the design philosophy of this gem.

Beside the extensive use of such sustainable products as bamboo, low- and/or no-maintenance materials are the norm. For example, the exterior is Hardi plank siding and composite materials are used on all decks. Also the roof, every window (Pella), every door and every piece of molding are brand new, too.

But let us continue.

The entry transitions into an elegant galley that is an integral aspect of the traffic flow: the house pivots around this large, light-filled artery.

Large windows with Palladian toppers are only one highlight in the huge living room just two steps down from the gallery. The fireplace with a marble surround in a herringbone pattern and marble hearth is another beautiful focal point. Full pane glass sliders flanked by matching windows open to the deck and yard.

Shadowbox paneling is a classic accent in the spacious elegant dining room (on the other side of the gallery) overlooking the tennis court via a three-window "wall." In this room that easily accommodates eight-plus many more for dinner, full glass pane sliders lead to the deck and then to the tennis court.

That the kitchen is gorgeous is a delightful fact. But this big room with a view of the pool and yard works hard, too. In addition to acres of counter space and beautiful cabinetry, this chef’s dream has Jenn-Air double ovens (one is convection), a refrigerator with French doors, a microwave drawer and an induction cooktop.

OK, OK. This room does "pretty" very well, too. Consider that the base of the huge step-down island with seating for four or five has shiplap and that this same wood is used in the "framed" tray ceiling over the island.

The scene stealer, however, is a free-standing double sided fireplace shared with a family room. For added drama this room has a cathedral ceiling and exposed (and lighted) ceiling beams. By the way, this is a huge room with great yard views.

About the second floor

A soaring vaulted ceiling with extraordinary angles over the second floor landing is the first hint (but certainly not the last) that this level has many unique features.

Big, as in king-bed size big, is an appropriate description for the sleeping chamber of the master suite. A lovely view of the pool and yard is appealing and so is the large private deck, but the oversized and very deep storage closet may change your definition of practical. Oh, the bedroom also has a very, very large walk-in closet with a pocket door.

A vaulted ceiling is one outstanding feature in the luxurious en suite bathroom but the six-foot-long, step-in shower with a surround of subway tile with a beveled edge does commands immediate attention. This grand-sized space also has a rain shower head, hand-held body spray and a long built-in niche for bathing products. The same tile is used for the wainscoting in this room that also has a vanity with two vessel sinks and a privacy wall for the commode.

Another bedroom — this has a custom closet with five built-in drawers along with access to a crawl space — is also generously sized. So is the shared bathroom that has a tub/shower combination as well as a deep linen closet. The vaulted ceiling in this room adds a feeling of grandeur.

A Jack ’n’ Jill bathroom with two sinks and a soaking tub with a tile surround adjoins two large bedrooms. One, with two double closets and a 10-foot-high ceiling, easily handles a king-size bed. The other bedroom has an incredibly high vaulted ceiling and overlooks the tennis court. This, too, has a double closet.

Down we go

Ready to be re-imagined, the lower level, which is approximately the footprint of the house, is an exceptionally versatile area.

In addition to a massive laundry room, this level has access to the yard, tennis court and the pool. For added convenience, a shower and a commode room with a sink are nearby. The fact is that family and guests tromping through the house in wet bathing suits will never happen.

Two massive rooms (one with a brick-front fireplace) can be transformed into guest quarters, in-law/au pair suite, an office, yoga/exercise studio or entertainment space (complete with wet bar) guaranteed to generate envy. A combination of uses is also an option — yes, the level is that big. A full bathroom with a tub/shower combination ratchet up the flexibility factor.

Contact Francine Cecieta of J Barrett & Company at 978-808-0704 or 978-922-2700 or by email: francinerealestate@comcast.net.